Concerned after reading the ABC News article about EMDR? Here's what you need to know

If you've arrived here after reading the recent ABC News article about EMDR and legal proceedings, you're not alone in wondering whether EMDR changes memories, whether you should delay treatment, or whether it could affect future legal proceedings.

The good news is that, for most people, the answer is reassuring.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) remains one of the world's most extensively researched and evidence-based psychological treatments for trauma. It is recommended as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by numerous national and international clinical practice guidelines and has also demonstrated effectiveness for a range of other conditions, including anxiety disorders, panic disorder and specific phobias.

The recent media discussion is not about whether EMDR is effective or whether it creates false memories. Rather, it relates to how some Australian courts have historically approached evidence from witnesses who have received EMDR therapy.

Why is EMDR being discussed in the media?

The ABC article highlights an important legal issue currently being considered in Australia.

Historically, some Australian legal guidelines have treated EMDR similarly to hypnosis when considering witness evidence. Many researchers, trauma experts and professional organisations, including the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA), do not support this comparison. Contemporary evidence indicates that EMDR is distinct from hypnosis and that current research does not demonstrate that EMDR impairs the accuracy of memory recall.

Professional organisations and legal experts are actively working with prosecutors and policy-makers to ensure legal guidance reflects the contemporary scientific evidence regarding EMDR.

Importantly, this discussion concerns legal processes rather than the safety or effectiveness of EMDR as a psychological treatment.

Should I still have EMDR?

In most cases, yes.

For the vast majority of people, the issues discussed in the ABC article do not affect whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing PTSD or other trauma-related symptoms, delaying effective treatment may prolong distress and interfere with recovery.

However, if you are currently involved in criminal proceedings, are considering reporting an offence, or anticipate future legal proceedings, it is important to discuss this with your psychologist before commencing trauma reprocessing. This allows you to make an informed decision about your treatment, taking into account both your psychological wellbeing and any relevant legal considerations.

Treatment decisions should always be individualised. There is no one-size-fits-all approach.

How does Blueprint Psychology approach this?

At Blueprint Psychology, our EMDR clinicians follow current professional guidance and evidence-based practice.

Where relevant, this may include:

• discussing whether there are current or anticipated legal proceedings

• explaining any legal considerations as part of informed consent

• ensuring therapy remains focused on your recovery and wellbeing rather than legal processes

• maintaining appropriate clinical documentation in accordance with professional standards

• recommending that you obtain independent legal advice where questions arise regarding legal strategy or timing.

Our psychologists are not investigators or legal advisers. Our role is to provide safe, ethical and evidence-based psychological treatment while helping you make informed decisions about your care.

Our approach

Every person's circumstances are different.

For many people, commencing EMDR promptly is the most appropriate clinical decision and offers the best opportunity for recovery.

For others, where criminal, civil, compensation or family law matters are current or anticipated, it may be appropriate to consider the timing of trauma reprocessing alongside those legal processes. These decisions are made collaboratively between you and your psychologist, based on your individual circumstances, goals and wellbeing.

The legal issues discussed in the recent ABC article apply to a relatively small group of people involved in current or potential legal proceedings. For most people seeking treatment for trauma, these issues are unlikely to affect the appropriateness of EMDR.

Still have questions?

If you've read the recent ABC News article and are unsure whether EMDR is right for you, we encourage you to discuss your concerns with one of our psychologists.

We can explain the current evidence, discuss any legal considerations that may be relevant to your circumstances, and help you decide on the most appropriate treatment approach. 

For most people, EMDR remains a safe, evidence-based and highly effective treatment for trauma.

Further information

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.

If you would like to learn more, the following resources may be helpful:

• ABC News – Calls for legal system to change approach to EMDR and witnesses

• Australian Psychological Society – Demystifying EMDR

• EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)

• EMDR Therapy in Legally Sensitive Matters: Clinical Considerations for Australian EMDR Therapists (Hurst, Dominguez, Harvey & Schubert, Version 1.0, May 2026)

• University of Melbourne – Why do Australian courts still distrust a proven trauma therapy?

• Australian prosecutors revise EMDR guidance amid backlash

This article is informed by current guidance from the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA), publications of the Australian Psychological Society and contemporary commentary regarding EMDR and Australian legal proceedings. It is intended as general information only and does not replace individual psychological or legal advice.